[[File:Heidelberg-Mennonite.jpg|300px|thumb|right|''Former building in Heidelbeg, Ontario; in 2011 used as a venue

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[[File:Heidelberg-Mennonite.jpg|300px|thumb|right|''Former building in Heidelbeg, Ontario; in 2011 used as a venue

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for weddings, etc.

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for weddings, etc. '']] Countryside Mennonite Fellowship was originally known as Heidelberg Mennonite Fellowship, as its services began in the village of Heidelberg, Ontario in 1960. [[Roth, Moses H. (1898-1978)|Moses Roth]] is considered the founding leader of the group, and served as its first pastor and bishop.

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'']] Countryside Mennonite Fellowship was originally known as Heidelberg Mennonite Fellowship, as its services began in the village of Heidelberg, Ontario in 1960. [[Roth, Moses H. (1898-1978)|Moses Roth]] is considered the founding leader of the group, and served as its first pastor and bishop.

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The congregation originated through division from the [[Mennonite Conference of Ontario and Quebec|Mennonite Conference of Ontario]] in 1960 over doctrine issues, and a desire to retain symbols of separation no longer upheld by the conference. Heidelberg, along with [[New Hamburg Conservative Mennonite Church (New Hamburg, Ontario, Canada)|New Hamburg]], were founding members of the [[Conservative Mennonite Church of Ontario|Conservative Mennonite Church of Ontario]] (CMCO)

The congregation originated through division from the [[Mennonite Conference of Ontario and Quebec|Mennonite Conference of Ontario]] in 1960 over doctrine issues, and a desire to retain symbols of separation no longer upheld by the conference. Heidelberg, along with [[New Hamburg Conservative Mennonite Church (New Hamburg, Ontario, Canada)|New Hamburg]], were founding members of the [[Conservative Mennonite Church of Ontario|Conservative Mennonite Church of Ontario]] (CMCO)

Revision as of 13:58, 23 August 2013

Former building in Heidelbeg, Ontario; in 2011 used as a venue for weddings, etc.

Countryside Mennonite Fellowship was originally known as Heidelberg Mennonite Fellowship, as its services began in the village of Heidelberg, Ontario in 1960. Moses Roth is considered the founding leader of the group, and served as its first pastor and bishop.

In 1976 the Heidelberg Mennonite Fellowship withdrew its membership from CMCO because it desired more congregational autonomy and less rigid enforcement of regulations on dress, etc. In May 1976, Leighton Martin was ordained as bishop, and Edgar Frey as minister. Later that year, Abner Martin was ordained as deacon.

In 1978/79 the congregation built a Christian day school on the west side of Hawkesville, followed by a new church building in 1982. The building was dedicated in February 1983. "Countryside" refers both to the school and the church. The school's curriculum includes grades 1-10.

Countryside Mennonite Fellowship maintains a strong mission emphasis, and many members have served in various mission fields. Local ministries have included Vacation Bible School, a Partners Program for mentors and boys in the community who are missing a father's role in their lives, and a Girl's Club outreach and a biweekly nursing home ministry.